The literary heritage of ShankaraDeva-Acharya (Assamese Vaishnava-Bhakti) is famous because of use of sometimes grotesque and hyperbolized metaphors along with simple language. To make Bhakti-Siddhanta more easily digestive by common folk, ShankaraDeva-Acharya resorted to striking and rude similes.
I liked very much the following Bhakti-Song (in DhanaShree Raga!).
Please pay attention to grotesque imagery such as "animal in man's dress", "thundering sound of death", "prison-world".
The following extract is cited from "SANKARADEVA VAISNAVA SAINT OF ASSAM", 1st edition December, 1960:
"In this world of illusion, faith, adoration and devotion to Krishna (or Rama) can only release human beings from death, destruction and utter ruin. The following hymns describe ShankaraDeva's conception of devotion, spirit of humility and self-surrender:
"O sinful mind, cling to the Feet of Rama.
Life is unstable.
As weapon against death,
Take The Name of Rama-Madhava.
Days, nights and life pass away,
And death approaches with thundering sound.
Think of the body's decay
Forsake everything and seek Shelter under Rama.
O animal in man's dress,
in the snare of cravings,
You are a prisoner now.
From this prison-world non can rescue you,
Save your own devotion to The Lord.
Devoutly I serve The Great Lord Rama;
Let Him reside in my heart.
Rama is my Most Precious Treasure.
O Lord, leave me not in the grip of death,
Prays the servant of Krishna".
